Liam Scales heaps praise on Vil Sinisalo after seizing Celtic opportunity | OneFootball

Celtic defender Liam Scales has heaped praise on goalkeeper Vil Sinisalo after another impressive display in goals for the Scottish Champions. The 24-year-old has been forced to deputise for Kasper Schmeichel since joining last season from Aston Villa. After having a successful period between the sticks last season, Sinisalo stepped back into the Celtic team and helped them to three wins and a draw in four consecutive appearances.

Sinisalo came into the side for the away win against Stuttgart as Celtic exited the UEFA Europa League. The Finnish stopper retained his place for the away draw at Ibrox in the league before the win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, making a number of fine saves and offering a commanding presence between the sticks.

Speaking after the game, Scales praised the performance of Sinisalo, crediting him for bringing a calming influence to the team as well as coming out and claiming a number of high balls.

“He’s so calm, he is such a calming influence on the team. I said to him after the game, I don’t think he knows how much of a relief it is when he comes out and collects a corner the way he does.

“It takes so much of that threat away. He was brilliant off his line. He came out and cleared a few ones that were dangerous, but iy was over the top, things like that.

“He’s been brilliant. I think he hasn’t put a foot wrong and I’m really delighted for him.”

Referee Don Robertson and Viljami Sinisalo after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Sinisalo was impressive and fans were delighted at how he took his opportunity to stake for the Celtic No.1 jersey at the expense of the experienced Kasper Schmeichel. The behind the scenes footage that Celtic released showed the goalkeeper walking around and encouraging his teammates before the spot kicks as well as Sinisalo getting into the heads of the Rangers players.

The emergence of Sinisalo has cast further doubt on the future of Schmeichel, the Dane has struggled this season making a number of high profile errors as he has struggled to deal with a shoulder injury sustained last year. The Premier League winning goalkeeper looks a shadow of the player that joined Celtic under Brendan Rodgers ahead of last season, which is a shame as he has had an excellent career. Although, there is no room for sentiment as Celtic look to retain their title.